Mixed-use project back before Ukiah Planning Commission

A mixed-use project that came before the Ukiah Planning Commission earlier this year for a preliminary review is back for permit approval this week.

According to the staff report prepared for tonight's meeting, Richard Ruff applied for a Use Permit and Site Development Permit to build a mixed-use project that will combine businesses and apartments on a vacant lot at 528 N. State St. owned by Patrick Haskins.

The project includes two buildings with commercial space on the ground floor and apartments on the second floor. The apartments are a mix of Single Room Occupancy (SRO) and one-bedroom.

A third building will include just apartments, and a fourth building will house storage units and laundry facilities. The project includes a total of 13 apartments.

The plan was received with praise and excitement by the commission when it was presented in May.

"I'm really happy to see a mixed-use project," said commission member Linda Sanders. "I think bringing housing and commercial options to that part of town is going to be great."

Sanders asked applicant Richard Ruff of Ruff and Associates if the buildings were going to be an "on-site managed shelter facility or market-rate rentals, or both?"

"It's not going to be a shelter of any kind," Ruff said, explaining that the only way to make the concept profitable for the owner was to put in as many units as possible on the site, and "SRO units were a way to have as many units as possible."

"I hate the term SRO -- in this community they're called studios, which work well and provide an affordable niche," said chairwoman Judy Pruden. "I don't have a problem with the studio component and I think this is a workable solution for this corner." The project is at the intersection of North State and Norton streets.

The project was also reviewed by the city's Design Review Board, and several changes were made based on that board's comments: planters were removed, the sidewalk for the entrance was widened, a pedestrian pathway was added, and the trees for the landscaping were changed to trees on the city's Master Tree List.

Planning Department staff reported receiving two letters from the public regarding the proposed project which expressed concerns about parking and access to nearby parcels.

In order to address these concerns, staff is requiring the project include fencing to prevent access to certain areas, and is requesting the commission provide direction on the fencing's design and materials.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. tonight in the council chambers at 300 Seminary Avenue.

Justine Frederiksen can be reached at udjjf@pacific.net, on Twitter @JustFrederiksen or at 468-3521.